Northwest Vermont Chapter 2018 Projects a Note to Interns and Volunteers

Northwest Vermont Chapter 2018 Projects A Note to Interns and Volunteers

Among the perks and joys of volunteering is making new friends while spending time “getting dirty” among fellow gardeners who are also earning their hours. There are volunteer opportunities that don’t require hands- on gardening as well as plenty that do. Don’t be afraid to offer assistance with a project. Planners may not yet realize they need help with gardening plans, signage, landscaping or other tasks. Without offering or asking how you can help, you may never know. I am constantly amazed at the incredible, selfless work being done around the state by our EMGs. Everyone I have met has become a friend. Having worked many hours at the North Branch Nature Center as my project, I can safely say that I look forward to socializing with my friends while we plant, prune, weed, dig and tackle whatever task is needed. In my job as Northern Support, I have visited many projects and continue to be amazed at their quality and diversity. How many pounds of food are grown and donated to food shelves around the state? How many non-gardeners learn from what we are doing and go on to have successful gardens of their own? How many public places and spaces are enhanced by our work? It is so appreciated by all who see the gardens, or reap the benefits of our work. Welcome to the program!

Kitty Werner NW, Central & NEK Regions UVM Extension Master Gardener Program Support

Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the United States Department of Agriculture. University of Vermont Extension, Burlington, Vermont. University of Vermont Extension, and U.S. Department of Agriculture, cooperating, offer education and employment to everyone without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or familial status. Any reference to commercial products, trade names, or brand names is for information only, and no endorsement or approval is intended. 2/2018 Contents

Addison County Addison County Parent Child Center Bridport Youth Demonstration Garden Russell Memorial Library Garden Therapeutic Gardening at Helen Porter Rehab and Nursing Center The DAR John Strong Mansion Museum Herb Garden Chittenden County Growing Together Community Garden Burlington City Hall Gardens Deborah Rawson Library Garden Grand Way Adult Day Program Horticultural Therapy Vermont Garden Park, Wheeler Park TREEage UVM Greenhouse Integrated Pest Management UVM Teaching and Demonstration Gardens Williston in Bloom EMG Class & Flower Basket Planting Smilie Memorial School Kitchen Garden and Compost Project Ask A Master Gardener Table at Vermont Flower Show, Champlain Valley Expo Information Table, Vermont Farm Show EMG Helpline at UVM Extension Burlington Farmers Market—Ask A Master Gardener Table NW Chapter Plant Sale Essex Free Library Garden Rick Marcotte Central School Vegetable Garden Pollinator Garden at UVM Hort Farm Starr Farm Community Garden Ask A Master Gardener Table at Addison County Field Days Cornwall School Garden Club Garden of Hope at Fanny Allen Campus Memory Franklin County Down to Earth Community Garden St. Albans City School Farm to School Stewardship Project Taylor Park Display Garden, Rain Garden, and Gardening Night Out Free Community BBQ Event Milton Library Garden Grand Isle County North Hero Community Hall Northeast Kingdom The Seed Exchange at the Barton Public Library Addison County

Addison County Parent Child Center The Addison County Parent Child Center works to provide support for children and families through programs such as child care, home visits, playgroups, housing services, training programs and consultations. Using the greenhouse, Extension Master Gardener volunteers work with the staff and families to teach gardening best practices. All produce grown in the greenhouse is donated or used by the Center. EMGs work with staff and participants at the Center in a greenhouse setting. They teach best practices of gardening, in particular greenhouse gardening. Produce grown will be used by the Center. During the gardening months a plot will be developed adjacent to the greenhouse. Volunteer Wishlist: They would like someone to help set up a complete composting system. Location: 126 Monroe Street, Middlebury Contact: Shari Johnson, [email protected] Website: www.addisoncountypcc.org Bridport Youth Demonstration Garden The Bridport Youth Demonstration Garden, aka Triangle Garden, is located in the center of town in Bridport. Extension Master Gardener volunteers help children from the local 4-H chapter establish and maintain the garden. Pat Morrow recently located the original map of the garden’s plantings. From the map, the volunteers are rec- reating, as much as possible, the original garden. Volunteer Wishlist: We could use more help cleaning the garden as we have been battling a nasty invasive grass. Another volunteer or two would be ideal Location: 52 Crown Point Road, Bridport Contact: Pat Morrow, [email protected] Russell Memorial Library Garden The Russell Memorial Library garden is a teaching garden. Labeled plants (flowers, herbs, vegetables) from beloved children’s books are used to engage children in growing their own food and reading. EMGs help the reading program volunteers teach children the basics of gardening and making it understandable in connec- tion with books. Volunteer Wishlist: More volunteers in the garden. Location: 4333 State Prison Hollow Road, Monkton Contact: Patricia New, [email protected]; Kathy Bushey, [email protected] Website: http://monktonvt.com/town-services/russell-memorial-library/ Therapeutic Gardening at Helen Porter Rehab and Nursing Center During the summer months, EMG volunteers meet in the sheltered courtyard for weekly gardening sessions with residents who are encouraged to participate as much as they want. There are several raised beds plus two in-ground beds. Here we grow herbs and vegetables for the kitchen, as well as flowers to decorate the indoor rooms. EMGs are also available to answer garden-related questions from visitors and residents alike. Volunteers are most welcome to join us for as many sessions as fits your own schedule. Before each session, Judith sends out an email describing the planned activities for that week. Let her know if you would like to be added to her email list. Volunteer Wishlist: Volunteers to work with the residents. Location: 30 Porter Drive, Middlebury Contact: Judith Irven, [email protected] The DAR John Strong Mansion Museum Herb Garden The Vermont Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) own and maintain the Mansion and grounds and give tours to the public. EMGs are helping guide the garden restoration and implement pollinator friendly practices. The garden will become an integral part of the interpretive program and education mission of the museum. All mansion tours are guided, lasting approximately one hour, and tour guides will highlight how the herbs were used in colonial times with signage provided throughout the tour. Garden plants will be identified, accurately labeled, and a handout with herb information will be compiled/updated and available as a take-away gift. Volunteer Wishlist: More volunteers and a co-leader; plus help planning and creating signage in the garden and materials for the public. Location: 6656 Vermont Route 17 West, Vergennes Contact: Christina Shaw, [email protected] Website: http://johnstrongmansion.org Chittenden County

Growing Together Community Garden The Growing Together Community Garden consists of individual plots of raised bed gardens, and is open to the community year-round. On occasion, harvested produce is donated to the Chittenden Emergency Food Shelf. Extension Master Gardener volunteers educate community members on gardening and composting as well as assist in addressing common plant diseases. Started on the grounds of a church, this project has doubled in size over the years. Last year, they were lucky enough to have Master Composter Kathy Deemer join them to manage the compost site. Volunteer Wishlist: Volunteers are welcome. Location: 190 Pond Road, Hinesburg Contact: Jean Kiedaisch, [email protected] Burlington City Hall Gardens This display garden is located in front of Burlington City Hall. It was started by Professor Mark Starrett and is maintained by his students with the assistance of Extension Master Gardener volunteers and help from the Burlington Parks and Recreation Department. EMGs start seeds, transplant, and harden off annual plants which are planted with established perennials and trees in the garden. Volunteer Wishlist: Volunteers are always welcome! Location: 149 College Street, Burlington Contact: Jill LaMothe, [email protected] Deborah Rawson Library Garden Extension Master Gardener volunteers work with children to plant a garden that provides produce for the local food shelf. They also work with the public in the library’s perennial gardens, and organize educational workshops for the community. Each year, they plan a theme garden, from a children’s book, for the youngsters. This is an active group of enthusiastic volunteers who celebrate with snacks and social time after their work is completed. Volunteer Wishlist: Volunteers are always welcome. Location: 8 River Road, Jericho Contact: Susan Adams, [email protected] Grand Way Adult Day Program Horticultural Therapy The Grand Way Adult Day Care Program provides daytime care for adults who need extra assistance or have physical disabilities or memory impairments. This program is run by Donna Covais, who is a trained horticultural therapist. Donna works with clients at the Grand Way Adult Day Care Program to do horticultural therapy projects. Clients create seasonal floral centerpieces, wreaths and bouquets to take home to their care providers and loved ones. Extension Master Gardeners support semi-monthly project sessions and maintain gardens for the residents to enjoy (i.e.: fresh vegetables, herbs and flowers) Volunteer Wishlist: More volunteers! Location: 412 Farrell Street, South Burlington Contact: Donna Covais, [email protected] Vermont Garden Park, Wheeler Park The Vermont Garden Park is part of an historical homestead, and the grounds include community and themed gardens. In partnership with Burlington Garden Club and volunteers from South Burlington Extension Master Gardener, volunteers plant and maintain a vegetable garden, growing food for the local food shelf. This site actually contains at least seven gardens, from the grandparent’s garden to the various children’s ar- eas. School children come weekly to play in the “tea room” or dinosaur area, or wander under the grapevine tunnels. This group has been meeting on Wednesday mornings, including lunch together in the gazebo, until around 2 p.m. Volunteer Wishlist: They can always use more volunteers to maintain these huge gardens. Location: 1100 Dorset Street, South Burlington Contact: Kate Mesaros, [email protected] TREEage The mission of project TREEage is to promote best maintenance practices for urban trees. This volunteer work is done on municipal trees in both South Burlington and Hinesburg in coordination with city and town offi- cials. At the TREEage Community Nursery volunteers of all ages learn to grow and care for 200 trees to finally be planted along city streets. In addition, lots of hands-on stewardship to learn pruning, mulch correction, root inspection and more. Volunteer Wishlist: Marie is seeking a Co-Leader (or two) and she will provide requirement details soon. She is very flexible with events and would like to hear from volunteers about days and times to better accommo- date your schedule. Location: TREEage Community Nursery in South Burlington at South West corner of Wheeler Nature Park. Otherwise, locations are noted by event. Contact: Marie Ambusk, [email protected] Website: www.TREEage.org, and https://www.facebook.com/treeagevt/ UVM Greenhouse Integrated Pest Management This is the UVM teaching greenhouse located on campus next to Jeffords Hall. This project provides an opportunity for EMG’s to work with the greenhouse manager and an experienced Master Gardener learning about integrated pest management in the greenhouse environment. One or two volunteers will learn about the biology of eight common greenhouse pests, scouting techniques and decision-making practices. They will become familiar with commercially available biological control agents as a method of pest control. Volunteers will learn greenhouse IPM practices through hands-on ex- perience at the campus greenhouse. Volunteers will share their knowledge about greenhouse IPM with the general public and other volunteers. The campus greenhouse is open to the public Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (except UVM holidays). Volunteer Wishlist: Volunteers interested in IPM Location: UVM, Jeffords Hall, 63 Carrigan Drive, Burlington Contact: Louise McCarren, [email protected] UVM Teaching and Demonstration Gardens These teaching and demonstration gardens are located outside the University of Vermont’s Jeffords Hall. EMG volunteers maintain these gardens and update the educational signs indicating the present species and as- sociated insects. Volunteer Wishlist: Mary Jane would love more volunteers. Location: UVM, Jeffords Hall, 63 Carrigan Drive, Burlington Contact: Mary Jane Poynter, [email protected] Williston in Bloom EMG Class & Flower Basket Planting This is a demonstration flower basket project which happens once a year in partnership with the Williston in Bloom Committee and the Town of Williston. Extension Master Gardener volunteers participate in a class to learn how to choose flower varieties, and plant and maintain flower baskets. The Extension Master Gardener volunteers then help to plant giant baskets that hang along the streets in Williston. Public outreach and education about flower basket gardening happens through press releases and newspaper articles that highlight the volunteer work, and share how homeowners should maintain flower baskets using evidence-based sustainable practices. To be added to their email list, contact Sue Stanne. Volunteer Wishlist: Volunteers Location: Gardener Supply Company, 472 Marshall Avenue, Williston Contact: Sue Stanne, [email protected] Smilie Memorial School Kitchen Garden and Compost Project Smilie Memorial School has a beautiful kitchen garden behind the school with the rushing waters of Joiner Brook in the background. Ten raised beds cluster around a small greenhouse, with an arc of golden raspber- ries, high bush blueberries, plum and pear trees to the northwest. Smilie students, staff, parents and community volunteers come together to take care of this garden for the benefit of the students and the community. The fruits and veggies go into the school kitchen; extra produce in the summer has gone to the Richmond Food Shelf. Smile has enjoyed a variety of Extension Master Gardener volunteers in the past 8 years, but less recently. Vol- unteer opportunities include pruning fruit trees, maintaining the edges of the garden, planting seeds in the garden with staff and students, caring for the garden over the summer or working with the school’s compost. Smilie is one of only 3 schools in Chittenden County to compost on site. Volunteer Wishlist: Yes to volunteers! An excellent opportunity for a Master Composter to help manage the school’s compost, which goes back into the kitchen garden, thus closing the loop! Chances to work with students or come lend assistance at weekend work days or other times in the kitchen garden. Location: 5 miles East of Richmond on Rt 2, 2712 Theodore Roosevelt Highway, Bolton Contact: Virginia Haviland, [email protected], 434-5801 Ask A Master Gardener Table at Vermont Flower Show, Champlain Valley Expo Information Table, Vermont Farm Show Extension Master Gardener volunteers host an informational table at the Vermont Flower Show, which brings artists and vendors together to feature a garden display, educational seminars, food and floral demonstra- tions in celebration of spring plant growth. Show visitors can ask EMGs questions about their home gardens and composting systems. Volunteer Wishlist: Volunteers to help at the tables Location: Champlain Valley Fairgrounds 05 Pearl Street, Essex Junction Contact: Karen Patno, [email protected] EMG Helpline at UVM Extension The Extension Master Gardener Helpline, a phone hotline and email service, receives and answers gardening questions from the public. The helpline is located in the Plant Diagnostic Clinic in Jeffords Hall @ the UVM Campus. EMG Helpline volunteers answer questions and explain the benefits of Integrated Pest Management while providing science-based sustainable gardening recommendations. Volunteer Wishlist: Volunteers who can either work from the office on the phones, or via email from home Location: UVM, Jeffords Hall, 63 Carrigan Drive, Burlington Contact: Lisa Chouinard, [email protected]

Burlington Farmers Market—Ask A Master Gardener Table This Northwest Ask A Master Gardener informational table is staffed by Extension Master Gardener volunteers to answer the public’s questions about plants, diseases, insects, composting and more. Information is distrib- uted regarding the Master Gardener courses as well. Volunteer Wishlist: Volunteers Location: 149 Church Street, Burlington Contact: Karen Patno, [email protected] Franklin County

Down to Earth Community Garden The Down to Earth Community Garden is located outside the St. Albans City School and holds community work days and education events. Extension Master Gardener volunteers help at and provide science-based gardening advice. The site includes beehives, pollinator gardens, fruit and vegetable gardens, and a wetland project with an elevated walkway which is regularly visited by the community for nature walks, BBQs and more. This garden is behind the school and adjoins the students’ food garden (see next project). The photo below shows the two gardens, community and school, side-by-side. Volunteer Wishlist: Volunteers to help in the gardens. Location: St. Albans City School 29 Bellows Street, St. Albans Contact: Heather Smith, [email protected] St. Albans City School Farm to School Stewardship Project St. Albans City School teaches students in grades Pre-K through 8, and has a unique structure that places emphasis on technological and hands-on teaching skills. EMG volunteers work with teachers and students on multiple projects educating about raised bed gardening, sensory gardens, cold frame gardening, rain gardens and composting. Students have created their own butterfly garden (photo above) in the shape of a butterfly (when seen from the upper classrooms). They have also surrounded the school with gardens, and in 2017, a new complete composting system was put into place. Volunteer Wishlist: Volunteers to help in the gardens and perhaps with the students. Location: St. Albans City School 29 Bellows Street, St. Albans Contact: Heather Smith, [email protected] Taylor Park Display Garden, Rain Garden, and Gardening Night Out Free Community BBQ Event The Taylor Park Display and Rain Garden is located in the heart of St. Albans. EMG volunteers help maintain these gardens, and also organize planting workshops at the local greenhouse. Community members can learn about choosing seeds, planting starts, and planting the display garden. A Community Gardening Night Out BBQ is held in May. Volunteers of the St. Albans Garden Club and EMGs join community volunteers in planting annuals and mulching the garden. The rain garden (photo below) is maintained by EMG volunteers. It is used to display native plants and educate the community on its uses as a collector and saver of rain and runoff. Volunteer Wishlist: Volunteers Location: 2 Church Street, St. Albans Contact: Kelly Wakefield, [email protected] Milton Library Garden In partnership with the Milton Library, EMG volunteers teach children how to garden by assisting in planting the library garden and teaching how to start seeds at home. EMG volunteers plant a few cold weather crops in April. These are ready to eat by the time weekly classes start in June, and classes continue through mid-Au- gust. Students then finish planting the garden, weed, mulch, pick what is ready, and prepare what they picked to eat. Seeds for the program are donated through a partnership with High Mowing Seeds. The students make wizard blueberry pizza (below) and kale chips. Volunteer Wishlist: Volunteers to help in the gardens and with the students. Location: 39 Bombardier Road, Milton Contact: Annette Preiss, [email protected] Grand Isle County

North Hero Community Hall The North Hero Community Hall is a restored historic building available for community events and is complete with a flower garden. Extension Master Gardener volunteers clean, maintain and plant. Once a month, an “Ask an EMG” session is held during a garden work day where volunteers can ask gardening questions and learn about the program. Volunteer Wishlist: Volunteers. If you are in the area, stop on by and help out! Location: North Hero Community Center, US 2, North Hero Contact: Ann Dehner, [email protected] Northeast Kingdom

The Seed Exchange at the Barton Public Library The Orleans County Seed Library is a free public program based at the Barton Public Library, which encourag- es residents of the area to share, save and plant seeds. EMG volunteers can participate in educational events informing the public about plant diseases and the importance of saving seeds, pollinator gardening and its importance, restoring and grafting apple trees, beekeeping, seed starting and much more, Volunteer Wishlist: Volunteers Location: Barton Public Library: 100 Church Street, Barton Contact: Pam Kennedy, [email protected], [email protected] Projects Without Photos

NW Chapter Plant Sale Once each year, the Northwest Master Gardener Chapter holds a perennial plant sale to raise funds for the Extension Master Gardener program. Funds raised are used to pay for local educational gardening events throughout the year. EMG volunteers help customers who are buying their plants by answering their garden questions. This sale was formerly held as part of the UVM Hort Farm Bloomtime Festival, which has been dis- continued. Volunteers earn hours for dividing plants from their own gardens, or planting seedlings for sale at the event, and also for working the day of the event. Volunteer Wishlist: Volunteers to donate their own plant overages, and/or work the day of the sale Location: UVM Horticulture Farm, 65 Green Mountain Drive, South Burlington Contact: Darlene Sabourin, [email protected]

Essex Free Library Garden Located in front of the Essex Free Library, this garden educates the public and youth about gardening. An Extension Master Gardener informational table is also present at the Essex Free Library plant sales to allow the community to ask questions directly. Extension Master Gardener volunteers help to maintain the garden and staff the tables. Volunteer Wishlist: Desperately needs volunteers and a new project leader. Location: 1 Browns River Road, Essex Contact: Sally Fleury, [email protected]

Rick Marcotte Central School Vegetable Garden A school garden for elementary students from Kindergarten through 5th grade. Students learn about starting and growing a vegetable garden, and are encouraged to plant their own gardens at home. Parents and community members are involved and assist Extension Master Gardener volunteers in teaching the students. Volunteer Wishlist: Volunteers Location: 10 Market Street, South Burlington Contact: Amy Simone, [email protected]

Pollinator Garden at UVM Hort Farm The garden was established to educate students and the public on the benefits of pollinators and planting gardens to attract them. EMG volunteers and the public are invited to three pollinator workshops each year. Each workshop highlights plants that bloom in spring, summer and fall. Extension Master Gardener volunteers maintain the garden and educate UVM students. Volunteer Wishlist: Volunteers Location: The University of Vermont Horticulture Farm, 65 Green Mountain Dr, South Burlington Contact: Jeff Young, [email protected] until end of May. Projects Without Photos

Starr Farm Community Garden Starr Farm is part of the Burlington Area Community Gardens. Volunteers educate gardeners on how to achieve healthier organic produce for their families. Located in the New North End, this prime location is a popular garden site because of its proximity to the bike path, dog park and playground. Recent site additions include permaculture and beekeeping. Volunteer Wishlist: Volunteers Location: Starr Farm Road, Burlington Contact: Jean Parker, [email protected]

Ask A Master Gardener Table at Addison County Field Days This Northwest Ask A Master Gardener informational table is staffed by Extension Master Gardener volunteers to answer the public’s questions about plants, diseases, insects, composting and more. Information is distrib- uted regarding the Master Gardener courses as well. Volunteer Wishlist: Volunteers Location: Addison County Fairgrounds, 1790 Field Days Road, New Haven Contact: MaryAnn Castimore, [email protected] Cornwall School Garden Club This is a new project looking for volunteers. The purpose of this project is to enhance the science and exist- ing ‘farm to table’ programs at the school through education of the students, their parents, school staff, and (hopefully) the community at the school, starting with plant selection, plant/garden preparation and maintenance, soil science, and the pollinators in our local area (amongst other topics.) Volunteer Wishlist: Volunteers Location: 112 School Rd, Cornwall Contact: Shari Johnson, [email protected] and Shawn Fetterolf, [email protected]

Garden of Hope at Fanny Allen Campus Memory This is a demonstration therapy garden for memory loss located at the Fanny Allen Memory Center. Extension Master Gardener Volunteers help to plant the perennial garden once a year. Volunteer Wishlist: Volunteers Location: 790 College Parkway, Colchester Contact: Donna Covais, [email protected]